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littlepanda's review against another edition
3.0
https://littlepandareads.wordpress.com/2019/03/17/white-gryphon-review/
m_kayk's review against another edition
4.0
This book isn't as good as the first in the series, but I love the twists that the authors added to keep the story moving...like Hadanelith's madness, and the Haighlei's resistance to change.
kesnit's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
craftingrama's review against another edition
4.0
The narrator is excellent and makes this a good book to listen to. I enjoyed it although the same as the first I got lost a couple of times but even so I enjoyed it enough to want to keep going with the series.
mleckie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
trash_reader_'s review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was so much slower-paced than the first one. It read more like a crime/mystery novel than anything else, but it was still engaging and very entertaining. I love the interactions between the characters, I absolutely adore Kechara and I caught myself laughing out loud to the jokes and the banter between Skan and his friends/family.
foolishcatalyst's review against another edition
4.0
This was an improvement on the first book in so many ways. While the first book was all action - with the occasional break for some therapy - this one is a comparatively slow-paced political mystery thriller.
Sadly, the sense of community from the first book is lost as Skanandron, Amberdrake and their new families are brought to a foreign kingdom (whose lands they have accidentally claimed for their new home). Also, Zhaneel and Winterhart are sidelined as their roles are now "wives and mothers" and very little else. Which is a pity, Zhaneel especially was a delight in the first book, where she was a horny little weirdo as well as a skilled fighter. Gesten is also present in this book, but I don't think he speaks a single line, which is a damn shame as well.
But the plot and pacing of this book honestly surprised me with how good it was. The setting is still wonderful, and far easier to parse now that the focus is of the war (which is apparently still ongoing elsewhere.) The villain was genuinely creepy, and the growing air of suspicion over the entire cast throughout the second act was surprisingly effective. Overall, a very good book. I just wish it did its female (and lizard) characters more justice.
Sadly, the sense of community from the first book is lost as Skanandron, Amberdrake and their new families are brought to a foreign kingdom (whose lands they have accidentally claimed for their new home). Also, Zhaneel and Winterhart are sidelined as their roles are now "wives and mothers" and very little else. Which is a pity, Zhaneel especially was a delight in the first book, where she was a horny little weirdo as well as a skilled fighter. Gesten is also present in this book, but I don't think he speaks a single line, which is a damn shame as well.
But the plot and pacing of this book honestly surprised me with how good it was. The setting is still wonderful, and far easier to parse now that the focus is of the war (which is apparently still ongoing elsewhere.) The villain was genuinely creepy, and the growing air of suspicion over the entire cast throughout the second act was surprisingly effective. Overall, a very good book. I just wish it did its female (and lizard) characters more justice.
samtheowl96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars to be more accurate. It's an enjoyable book. Were it on its own and not part of a trilogy, I'd give it a 3/5. The first book, Black Gryphon was more climactic and anticipatory. I've noticed this trilogy doesn't really have a main overarching plot, so that may lend to part of the reason as that's something -different- but not necessarily bad. There's still philosophical bits, and I still greatly enjoy the characters. There are moments of thrill, humor, and unpredictable plot twists. The world building expands quite a bit, and while the character development isn't as drastic as in book 1, it's present. With regards to the world building, I'm reading their books in chronological order vs publishing order, so some bits may have already appeared in other books within the universe. The Haighleigh for example.
njauf's review against another edition
3.75
This isn't bad but I was still kinda disappointed. The initial time jump sucked and the pacing was kinda off. Lots of infodumping